PUTRAJAYA, March 9 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has announced today that Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Seri Zulkifli Mohamad will be the minister in charge of religious affairs, debunking rumours that the post will be held by a PAS leader.

Instead, PAS’ Pengkalan Chepa MP Ahmad Marzuk Shaary will be Zulkifli’s deputy.

On Twitter, Zulkifli posted a photo of him heading to the Slim River Mosque in Perak to deliver his monthly sermon there.

He also requested his followers to pray for him to take on the new responsibilities.

"Pray for me, help me, and give your views to me. We continue the legacy of prevous leaders, to build a multi-ethnic and multi-religious Malaysia that is blessed by God,” he wrote.

Zulkifli is popular with many Muslim across the country for his relatively progressive views and positive interfaith attitude, and for being active on social media.